In Billboard’s ranking of the 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century, Canadian rapper and music icon Drake has taken the prestigious No. 4 spot.
Known for his chart-dominating hits, Drake’s influence on modern music is undeniable. With an impressive list of accolades and achievements, his journey from TV star to music legend reflects a unique blend of talent and adaptability that has set him apart in pop music.
Drake’s career start
Drake’s music career began in an unlikely place: playing the character Jimmy Brooks on the popular Canadian teen series Degrassi: The Next Generation. His transition to music gained traction after catching the attention of rapper Lil Wayne, who signed him to Young Money Records.
The move would be a turning point, and by 2009, Drake had made his first Billboard chart appearance with the hit Best I Ever Had, marking the beginning of a career defined by record-breaking success.
As the streaming era began to shape the music industry, Drake became one of its greatest beneficiaries. His style—melding personal R&B-infused singing with sharp rap verses—resonated with a wide audience and helped him dominate charts throughout the 2010s.
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Early success
His Grammy-winning album Take Care solidified his standing in pop culture, establishing him as a force on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts.
Drake has released many successful albums, including Nothing Was the Same and If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. His collaborations with artists like Future and Rihanna resulted in some of his biggest hits, demonstrating his versatility and ability to adapt his style across genres.
The 2016 release of Views marked another high point, debuting at No. 1 and spending an impressive 13 weeks atop the Billboard 200. This album produced major hits like Hotline Bling, a cultural phenomenon, and the No. 1 hit One Dance.
Today, Drake holds an astonishing 13 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles and an equal number of No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart. With 39 Billboard Music Awards to his name, Drake has shaped the sound of modern hip-hop and pop, cementing his status as one of the defining artists of this century.
